NEW YORK (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension likely will be shortened to four games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after the two meet in New York on Friday.

Goodell has said he will make his decision after the preseason concludes. The Steelers play Carolina on Thursday night. Although the NFL has not confirmed the exact location or time for the meeting, Roethlisberger is expected to meet Goodell at league headquarters.

Roethlisberger was suspended in April under the league's personal conduct policy and the quarterback is not eligible to return until Oct. 31 at New Orleans. However, Goodell stipulated in the suspension that it could be reduced if Roethlisberger behaves well and undergoes counseling. The commissioner indicated when he met with Roethlisberger earlier in August that Roethlisberger was on the right track.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.